AUTONOMIC DYSREGULATION IN CHILDREN: CONTEMPORARY APPROACH TO DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2226-2008-2024-6-12Keywords:
autonomic nervous system, autonomic balance, autonomic dysregulation, heart rate variability, childrenAbstract
The present article provides an overview of autonomic dysregulation (AD) processes in children. AD refers to a disruption in the normal functioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), leading to violations of various physiological processes. The goal of the article was to provide an overview of AD processes in children and discuss contemporary approaches to its assessment and management. Materials and methods. The systematic review was prepared in accordance with international recommendations; the work strategy involved searching several global databases without language restrictions on documents. Study selection criteria for inclusion were diagnostic criteria for any psychopathological or neurodevelopmental condition reflecting at least one index of ANS functioning, use of any AD assessment scale, reporting, outcome, and correlation between AD and ANS values. Discussion. Autonomic dysregulation is a complex phenomenon with a wide range of manifestations and associated with several medical conditions that can have a significant impact on children’s health, quality of life, and wellbeing. Autonomic dysregulation is a complex disorder that can have a significant impact on health, development of the affected children and their families. Autonomic dysregulation is often manifested by recurrent stereotypic symptoms that affect multiple systems including cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, respiratory, genitourinary, sexual, gastrointestinal, and skin reactions. Recent studies have shed light on the mechanisms of AD, including the role of genetic factors and environmental influences, as well as the importance of a good ANS balance. Conclusion. A better understanding of the ANS role in health and disease may lead to new approaches to health maintenance, prevention, and treatment of diseases in which AD is an important pathogenic component.
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